5 min
Vitamin B12
The article in a few key points
Vitamin B12 (or cobalamin), which is part of the B vitamin family, is a vitamin with a major role in the functioning of the nervous system, blood formation and energy production.
It is mainly found in foods of animal origin. Vegans are therefore at high risk of deficiency.
If you feel weak, lacking in energy, or even irritable, increase your dietary intake of vitamin B12 and supplement it if necessary with a treatment, preferably in the form of methylcobalamin.
In an age of “junk food”, ready-made industrial meals, and while the share of household budgets dedicated to food is constantly falling, a logical observation is clear: we are increasingly deprived. Whether it's vitamins, minerals or other essential nutrients, we no longer provide our bodies with enough fuel, while some components are only found exclusively in the food we eat.
A common deficiency among others concerns vitamin B12. If you feel weak, lacking in energy, or even irritable, alert: you may be suffering from anemia, which can come from a lack of vitamin B12 !
What is vitamin B12?
As its name suggests, vitamin B12 is part of the B vitamin group (which, paradoxically, only includes 8 officially recognized vitamins). Vitamins are organic substances that cannot be synthesized by the body, and must therefore be supplied through food.
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin , is one of the water-soluble vitamins. It plays a role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as in the formation of blood. It is also involved in the synthesis of DNA and fatty acids, and contributes to the production of energy in the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: what are the consequences?
We note that foods rich in vitamin B12 are not always on the menu of many of us, which explains the deficiencies frequently encountered. This is even more the case for people following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, since almost all sources of vitamin B12 are of animal origin.
Vitamin B12 contributes in particular to blood formation, the main symptom of a deficiency is anemia. Anemia is characterized by a lack of red blood cells in the blood, which serve to carry oxygen throughout the body. This results in faster shortness of breath, a lack of energy and tone, generalized fatigue, and even dizziness.
But in addition to these symptoms, a vitamin B12 deficiency can present the following symptoms:
- Loss of memory and appetite;
- Nervous disorders: depression, psychosis, memory problems;
- Anxiety and confusion;
- Reduced immunity, weakening of the digestive system;
- Paralysis and tingling.
We recommend you
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 in its active and bioavailable form, methylcobalamin.
- ✅ 100% pure methylcobalamin
- ✅ Optimal dosage 1000 μg
- ✅ 4 months of treatment
- ✅ Made in France
What are the benefits of vitamin B12?
Quite logically, the benefits of vitamin B12 are closely correlated with the consequences of its deficiency.
Above all, it contributes to the formation of sufficiently numerous and healthy red blood cells , an essential prerequisite for properly oxygenating your organs and tissues, and therefore feeling more energetic and less tired .
As vitamin B12 is involved in the functioning of the brain and neurons, it is essential to ensure normal psychological functions , and therefore fight against depression, anxiety, paranoia, etc.
A minimum dose of vitamin B12 is also necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems . It is involved in cell renewal through its action on DNA, but also regulates the metabolism of certain amino acids such as homocysteine, the excess of which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Note also that this vitamin is important in pregnant women, ensuring sufficient blood volume and helping to develop the nervous system of the fetus.
How to choose the right vitamin B12 supplement?
In the event of a vitamin B12 deficiency, two solutions are available to you, the first being to review your diet to favor foods rich in B12, as we saw earlier. But if the deficiency is severe, you cannot change your eating habits so easily, or if you simply need quick and effective help, vitamin B12 supplementation is a second, very relevant option.
This generally comes in the form of a capsule to swallow. A simple and practical way to easily supplement and fill your vitamin deficiencies. However, there are criteria for choosing the right vitamin B12 capsules, because not all supplements on the market are of equal quality.
The main criteria for choosing your vitamin B12 supplement are the nature of the active element that composes it, and the quantity of this active element.
The nature of the active element is crucial, because it strongly impacts the effectiveness of the absorption of the product. In fact, not all active substances are absorbed in the same way by the body. Based on this observation, we chose methylcobalamin as the active ingredient in our vitamin B12.
This is the naturally occurring bioactive form of the vitamin; it is better assimilated than cyanocobalamin which is found in the majority of supplements. The choice of methylcobalamin ensures rapid and complete absorption by the body.
Second factor: the dosage of active substance. Taking 1000 μg each day is adequate to meet the body's needs and effectively reduce any B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12: contraindications
The vitamin B12 treatment does not present any particular contraindication, although it is better to talk to your doctor if you are taking medication at the same time. Be careful to avoid overdose in adolescents with severe acne.
And remember that the safest prevention to a vitamin B12 deficiency, or any deficiency in general, remains a healthy and balanced diet!
